My name is Rhiannon. My life purpose
is to love unconditionally. I was created to
make beautiful things that bring joy to others.
I believe stories have the power to transform lives.
I am happiest with my family by my side and
flowers in my hands.I'm so happy you're here.

The Year of Content Week 28

Happy weekend, friends! If you’re just joining us in this series you can go here first and here second.

Guys! Where has this July gone? The girls and I were driving home today from this past weekend’s Northern Michigan wedding (you can see more over here!) and were in disbelief at how quickly the summer and truly this entire year has passed by. With one wedding to go in August, the Trouvaille Workshop mid-month and then come Labor Day and fall, a final Hey Gorgeous wedding and three big trips before slowing down for the holidays and my maternity leave (I cannot believe I just wrote that out!) we are more than half way done with 2015. It’s been a year for the books. I’m sure 2016 is going to be even sweeter too as we become a family of three.

Almost four months ago in April, I wrote my last financial contentment post. That same week we had gone to our first consultation with our fertility specialist after finally getting a recommendation from my doctor. We left that consult feeling an odd mix of emotions; a little defeated because of the extra steps we would have to take to make our dream of parenthood a reality but funny enough, pretty grateful for answers and a game plan we could look ahead to. When I wrote this post here my mind was admittedly set on all of the things we would need to financially pay for along our journey to baby. Andrew and I diligently rearranged our budget in order to do so and with that it was back on the #contentmentchallenge (a la Nancy Ray which you can read more about here). We were truly looking ahead to the future and our scheduled appointments with open arms and hearts.

But God had other plans for us. About a month later we were blessed with the news of naturally and miraculously conceiving Sweet Baby Bosse, just two days before Mother’s Day. Best Mother’s Day gift ever. We were shocked! And well, while we are so grateful to have taken a less invasive and expensive route to conceive our little babe, we still need to be financially savvy to care for and nurture this child when he or she arrives in January. This post from Nancy’s husband Will is full of insight (actually his entire blog is; I really encourage you to check it out and spend some time soaking up his wisdom) and really opened my eyes to some smart ways to be more financially responsible and content given our growing fam. Onto my debrief!

Week Twenty Seven

What has not been working: Since finding out I was pregnant, I’ve really struggled with 1. feeling like I can buy myself, Andrew and the baby things to celebrate this victory and 2. being responsible and content with our money. There is a TON of information out there selling this and that to first time parents isn’t there? It’s really hard to navigate the waters of preparing for baby when you want to do the right thing as a parent to this little person and 99% of the stuff being thrown your way is so closely tied to your emotions! Hormones anyone? I’ve also been so nervous of missing something special throughout this process (like a cute outfit for announcement photos, a chalkboard to document baby’s size each week with my growing belly, realizing how pricey all those cute baby things are I’ve been pinning over the years, etc) that I’ve been guilty of buying unnecessary things here and there. I feel guilty for even admitting this so publicly because my dreams of being a mama have never been fuelled by materialistic things but my heart’s been torn often in fear of not feeling or coming across as excited and joyful as I feel. I welcome any thoughts or perspectives on this below from moms or mamas to be!

What has been working: Throughout this Year of Content challenge, I’ve started to notice some really tiny but significant changes in my perspective and thoughts particularly towards the accumulation of ‘stuff’ in my life. Restoration Hardware Baby? Beautiful but not necessary for us and our budget. And that’s OK. Truly I’m content with that because it’s what works for us! All the cute little $35 Baby Gap newborn outfits our babe will grow out of within a month or two or making their debut? Again adorable but not a necessity here for us. We also invested some time and effort to host a big garage sale about a month ago to get rid of all the things in our home and garage we don’t use or need. It was a huge success financially for us so we sealed all of the money we made into an envelope and labelled it with “Baby Nursery.” That bank envelope is still sealed and sitting on the floor of our empty baby nursery ready to go towards some of the bigger necessities we will need to invest in in the next four months. That feels really great to have a bit of a cushion to add to the babe budget.

Short term goal: To go back on the #contentmentchallenge with Andrew until September 24th.

Long term goal: To manage/adjust my income in late 2015/2016 with my desired maternity leave plan.

Feel free to leave your experiences below and to share them with the hashtag #theyearofcontent

4 thoughts on The Year of Content Week 28

Such an exciting time for you and your little family! 19 months into being Mama I will tell you that the material things REALLY, REALLY, REALLY do not matter. I think as time progresses we as parents don’t want to spend loads of money because you see things being grown out of, pooped on, thrown up on, stained from all of the above. Continue to keep your priorities straight and do not fall into the comparison trap like so many people! We chose not to register for a ton of stuff because we try to live a more minimalist lifestyle. People will naturally buy y’all clothes, swings, pacifiers and lord knows everything else under the sun. Pick the three or four things that mean the most to y’all and put your money there! For us, the stroller, the car seat and the baby monitor were the top priorities. It’s such a fun and joyful time and y’all definitely don’t need to fog your mind with material items…prepare your heart first! :)

Eeep! So happy-excited for you & APB and little baby Bosse!! I know where you’re coming from (had my first little one in April) — it seems like there are so many “necessities” to invest in, a million differing perspectives on what gadgets and gear are must-haves, but then there’s also the inevitable caveat/reality that every baby is different. My goal has always been to be as minimalist as possible, but it’s not always so easy. I tried to write out a list of what things I felt like were ABSOLUTELY necessary (carseat, place for baby to sleep, diapers/wipes, a bottle, one source of baby entertainment i.e. a bouncy seat, a couple of onesies/sleepers, a stroller, baby wash, free & clear laundry detergent) and focused on getting those needs taken care of first, and then just let friends & family take care of the rest. If you have any parent friends nearby that will let you borrow gear, it helps to figure out what your baby responds to before committing to buying more “stuff.” Consignment shops and buy/sell Facebook groups have been really helpful especially for things I didn’t know if we actually NEEDED but really wanted to give a try.

Don’t worry that you won’t seem as excited by not getting all the superfluous materialistic fluff out there. Baby won’t notice or care, and I don’t think ANYONE would ever question that you two are over the moon about being this loved one’s parents. That baby is so loved already!!!! That’s the most important thing you can give him/her. Your time, attention, love and care. And some milk. :)

I pray that your maternity leave will be restful, life-giving, and exactly what you & baby need!!!!!

Girl I am so with you on everything in this post! I went through all of these feelings too. When I found out I was pregnant I was so happy yet so sad that I wasn’t going to be like all of those perfect Pinterest/Instagram moms. I was just thankful I could keep my lunch down for five months.

I also felt the need to buy adorable ETSY items that she would never get the chance to wear because they truly do grow faster than you can imagine. It was so hard for me to look at all the things I wanted (like a very expensive carpet that she will eventually poop on) and a cute rocking chair that is so uncomfortable but pretty and popular that you have to spend more money to buy a new one that actually functions as a rocking chair.

Then I read Lara Casey’s book and all the floodgates opened! I can only imagine the image you have to live up to in your personal life because of how successful you are, but honey just enjoy the ride! This is an experience that doesn’t need “things” to make it perfect, it just needs love.

You are going to be such a good mom and I am so happy for you to have this chance that so many can not have. I know you will fill your nursery with purposeful joys that will make you laugh, cry and so much more every time you rock your sweet little babe to sleep.

Sorry this is so long but anytime you need some advice or need to chat momma to momma, I’m here friend!
Xo

I so feel you on this post. I’m 27 weeks along. We signed the contract on a new home and two days later found we were expecting our first. Don’t worry about buying pricy clothes or items. I’ve been blessed with many gifts from friends and family. Is there a Carter’s store near you? Super cute clothes and the store is 40% off everyday. I’m sure you will and baby Bosse will be showered with what you need! Blessings to you,

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